Possible directions for housing policy in Nova Scotia

The objective was to review issues and opportunities and to outline suggestions for a more comprehensive framework that might guide the respective activities of association members and the evolving direction of provincial housing policy. [...] AHANS recognizes that the vast majority of housing is owned and operated by individuals and corporations and that the housing market is a critical feature of the housing system. [...] Most notably, the market is not able to respond to the needs of a small subset of the population that lacks the income and resources to have market demand – including those with mental health illness, individuals recovering from substance abuse, the homeless as well as some seniors, households that rely on income assistance (ESIA) and others with low wage income. [...] Optimizing the role of the market The discussion also highlighted the important role and impact of the housing market. [...] It is extremely difficult to address the backlog of core need (other 15% of households) with the limited resources available (discussed further below) so initiatives and policies to support and improve market outcomes, in short to grow the 85% not in need, must be identified and implemented.